Tim Larocque
Mass communications major (broadcast emphasis) from Plymouth, Minnesota
Earning his stripes
Tim earned his broadcast stripes through the university’s Campus News program, where he has done reporting, editing, video photography, and last year produced a sports segment. That experience earned him a position at KVLY TV, where he worked behind the scenes in production. Today, he’s a video photographer in the field. Over the summer I worked almost 40 hours a week, but during the school year I’ll just work 25 hours, mostly Friday through Sunday, and fill in when they need an extra person.”
Working with students
As a producer for Campus News, Tim supervised photographers, reporters and editors. “If things didn’t get done, I had to step up and get it done. It can be a difficult position to be in. Even working at the news station there’s a fine line between being friends and doing my job.”
Long-term plans
“I hope KVLY offers me a full-time job. Fargo-Moorhead is a larger size TV market and it’s a great starting point. Most people start their careers in much smaller markets. If this market works out, I’d be perfectly content with that.”
I came to MSUM because…
“It’s far enough away from home, but close enough if I need to go home. I came here over an MEA weekend as a high school junior and fell in love with the campus. It’s just the right size—not too big to get lost, but not too small.”
Learning from the past
Tim’s favorite class: History of the United States since 1877 with Professor Smemo. This semester he’s enrolled in History of the United States 1776-1877. He’s also a History Channel junkie. “History is learning what you did wrong, or right, in the past and changing it for the future.”
Study style
Tim is a procrastinator (not that it’s a bad thing!). He admits it’s not the best study style for most students, but “I do better under pressure. My job revolves around always being in a time crunch, like having a half hour to edit a story. I think I do better under pressure because I concentrate on one thing and get it done.”
Dragon pride
School spirit has soared over the past couple of years. Now everyone’s talking about the football team! “Everyone is talking about the Dragons, even at work they talk about the big Powerbowl football game. Plus the volleyball, women’s and men’s basketball teams are having successful seasons. You can see school spirit around campus with everyone wearing their MSUM clothing.”
Making a killer steak
Yes, real men cook. Steak with asparagus and sautéed mushrooms. Pork chops and stuffing with a cream mushroom sauce. Yes, Tim likes to cook (and he’s good too!), and he even cleans up after himself. “I like cleaning and having things organized to my standards.” After a hard day of studying and working, Tim likes to hit the batting cages or head to the driving range or golf course. “There are a ton of golf courses within a 20-mile radius of Fargo-Moorhead. I don’t mind going by myself early in the morning before class to get a quick nine in.”